For many students with dyslexia, the challenges of learning don’t exist in isolation. Research shows that dyslexia often coexists with other conditions, such as developmental language disorder (DLD), ADHD, and dysgraphia. These overlapping conditions can amplify difficulties with reading, writing, and comprehension, requiring a tailored approach to learning support.

In this blog, we’ll explore the impact of DLD and other coexisting conditions on students with dyslexia, and share evidence-based strategies to help these learners thrive.

Understanding Coexisting Conditions with Dyslexia

Coexisting conditions are common among students with dyslexia. For example:

• Developmental Language Disorder (DLD): Studies indicate that 40-60% of children with dyslexia also experience DLD (Snowling et al., 2020). DLD affects the ability to process, understand, and use language, making reading comprehension and verbal communication more challenging.

• ADHD: Approximately 40% of children with dyslexia have ADHD (Willcutt et al., 2010), which impacts focus, organisation, and impulse control.

• Dysgraphia: Dysgraphia affects handwriting, spelling, and written expression, often overlapping with the challenges of dyslexia (Berninger et al., 2008).

Understanding how these conditions interact with dyslexia is essential for creating effective interventions.

How DLD and Other Conditions Impact Learning

1. Language Processing Challenges (DLD):

   • Struggles with vocabulary acquisition and sentence structure.

   • Difficulty following verbal instructions or expressing ideas clearly.

   • Increased challenges in reading comprehension and phonemic awareness.

2. Attention and Executive Function Issues (ADHD):

   • Difficulty staying focused on reading or writing tasks.

   • Trouble with planning, organising, and completing assignments.

3. Motor and Written Expression Challenges (Dysgraphia):

   • Slow and illegible handwriting.

   • Struggles with spelling and organising thoughts in writing.

4. Emotional Impacts:

   • Frustration, anxiety, and reduced self-esteem from repeated academic struggles.

Strategies to Support Students with Dyslexia and Coexisting Conditions

1. Tailored, Multi-sensory Learning Approaches

Multi-sensory strategies engage multiple senses to reinforce learning. These methods are effective for students with dyslexia and DLD because they provide multiple ways to process and retain information.

Example: Use phonics programs with visual aids, tactile tools like letter tiles, and auditory repetition to strengthen reading and language skills.

2. Explicit Language Instruction

For students with DLD, direct and explicit teaching of vocabulary, sentence structure, and grammar is crucial. Pair this with structured literacy approaches to enhance reading and comprehension.

Example: Teach high-frequency words with visuals and use simple, repetitive language in instructions to build understanding.

3. Assistive Technology

Tools like text-to-speech software, audiobooks, and graphic organisers can help bridge gaps in language and written communication.

Example: Use apps like SnapType to support written assignments for students with dysgraphia.

4. Building Social and Emotional Confidence

Students with coexisting conditions often face emotional challenges. Building their confidence through positive reinforcement and celebrating small wins is critical.

Example: Rather than having curriculum goals, create personalised and achievable goals that a relative to the child’s learning journey.

5. Collaborative Support Systems

Work closely with all support measures (family, teachers and tutors) to create consistent and holistic support plans.

Example: Share strategies between home and school, such as practicing new vocabulary at home while using it in classroom activities.

How Families and Educators Can Work Together

Supporting students with dyslexia and coexisting conditions requires teamwork. Parents and educators can:

• Maintain open communication to identify what strategies are working.

• Use consistent approaches across home, school and additional support.

• Involve students in setting achievable goals to foster independence and confidence.

Dyslexia combined with conditions like developmental language disorder, ADHD, or dysgraphia can present unique challenges. However, with evidence-based strategies and a collaborative approach, students can overcome these hurdles and achieve success.

By addressing their individual needs and nurturing their strengths, we can empower these learners to build confidence, excel academically, and enjoy the process of learning.

References

1. Snowling, M. J., et al. (2020). Comorbidities in developmental disorders of language. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 55(1), 58-69.

2. Willcutt, E. G., et al. (2010). The prevalence and functional impact of comorbid reading disability and ADHD. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 43(3), 179-195.

3. Berninger, V. W., et al. (2008). Evidence-based diagnosis and treatment for specific learning disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 41(1), 31-48.